Our Savior's Lutheran Church
Ph 701-745-3346
from my perspective…
Revelation is great, but direction is better.
A fellow was hiking. As he looked over a ledge, it gave way, and he fell. By God’s grace, he
grabbed onto a little tree growing out of the cliff wall and hung on. After a while, a voice said, “Sure, it’s a long way down.” Our fellow answered, “Yah, I know. Can you help?” The voice said, “Why don’t you let go?” “What! The man answered, “If I let go, I’ll be killed!” “No, you won’t,” the voice said, “You can see it, but you’re only a few feet above a ledge. Let go and wait. I’ll get some help.” This January, we remembered the Baby Jesus revealed as the “King of the Jews,” “the consolation of Israel,” and “the redemption of Jerusalem.” And we heard the LORD declare, “You are my beloved Son; with you, I am well pleased.” Conversely, the Diablos sought to tear apart Jesus’ ministry by accusation, “If you are the Son of God…” But our Lord prevailed and thrived in the Holy Spirit. This is a great story, but what good is the revelation if it won’t save us from falling.
Sunday, February 2nd, Jesus will give us his mission statement. “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim liberty to the captives and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty those who are oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.” (Luke 4:18–19, ESV) This is what Jesus will do – but how does that help us?
Sunday, February 9th, Jesus calls His Disciples, who are like Shepherds guiding the people to live a God-pleasing, fruitful life.
Sunday, February 16th: He will encourage the crowd and us by explaining what God will do for those who follow His Ways.
Sunday, February 23rd, Jesus teaches them and us in practical terms how to love others as God loves us. This is the most radical teaching ever heard. His teachings have changed the world. Jesus’ challenging life lessons are most helpful for those clinging to the world’s wisdom. Jesus’ way of life is just as vital for us to know and live out today as it was for the first-century children of God. So many today are cling to a small tree of wisdom over a great expanse. When they fall, people shake their heads at how great their fall is. Sadly, the fall could have been prevented by just letting go, waiting, and listening for the voice that would pull them up and set them on firm ground.
For all my life, I have sought wisdom and clarity on which way to go. Finally, when I gave up and let go of worldly wisdom, I found the wisdom of God, which saved me from destruction. No, that is not an exaggeration – it was and is my revelation.
Join us and bring your friends – they may need to hear Jesus’ life-giving message.
Your pastor,
Dennis
Welcome!
I welcome your comments regarding our shared ministry at Our Savior's.
If you would rather comment privately; please, email me at prshepherd@westriv.com
I deeply desire to bring Christian comfort and the power of prayer to those who are challenged with sickness or circumstances in life.
Neither the hospitals or care centers are allowing visitation.
If it a matter of life and death, call me and I will contact them.
Pastor Dennis
Pastor Dennis R.
We have had our share of challenges this year.
If you or someone you know is struggling with fear and despair, I invite you to lay your hands on a copy of Max Lucado's book
Anxious for Nothing:
Finding Calm in a Chaotic World.
We, also, have a helpful copy of "Cancer. Now What?"
available in the church office.
Of course, please contact me if you would like to chat or meet for a cup of coffee.
Pastor Dennis
